A new dual function dorsal root ganglion stimulation in pain management: a technical note and case report

Abstract

Sensitization of dorsal horn ganglion sensory neuron plays a crucial role in the maintenance of chronic pain disorder. Multiple interventions targeting dorsal horn ganglion can provide considerable relief of pain, including selective nerve root block, pulsed radiofrequency, and electrical nerve stimulation technique. It remains controversial about the superiority of neuromodulation mentioned above due to distinct pattern of analgesic mechanism. Here, we reported one 71-year-old male presenting at our pain clinic with severe, unilateral lower limb pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. An implantable stimulator with dual neuromodulation mode, combining pulsed radiofrequency with electrical nerve stimulation, was then placed into the lateral epidural space adjacent to dorsal root ganglion at L4 level. Standard stimulation programing was performed with technicians to achieve satisfactory control of pain, with numerical rating scale decreasing from 8 to 2 postoperatively. This novel dual function neuromodulation strategy may provide an alternative option for pain management for those with intractable neuropathic pain.